ST. GEORGE FOR ENGLAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 27 April 1925, Page 9

ST. GEORGE FOR ENGLAND.

Memorable Scene at Zeebrugge. TRIBUTE TO DEEDS OP BRITISH NAVY. By ■ Cable—Pres* Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z; Cable Association BRUSSELS, April 23. In cloudy threatening weather the cruiser H.M.S. Caledon, bringing 250 heroes of the historic attack, arrived from Dover, and exchanged salutes With the batteries ashore, and ships in the harbour. i There was an imposing scen6 around the memorial, which is a 70foot granite column, surmounted by figures of St. George and the Dragon, inscribed “St. George for England.” A large force of Belgian troops, in tin helmets, and Belgian bluejackets were drawn up on each side. The King and Queen of the Belgians immediately arrived from Brussels, and laid a wreath inscribed “Albert and Elizabeth” at the foot of the monument.

After unveiling .the memorial, King Albert, speaking first in French and then in English, paid homage to the incomparable heroes whose feat of arms would rank among the highest records of the British Navy. Lord Emmott. chairman of the Zeebrugge Memorial Fund, replying, mentioned that the memorial was erected by the joint efforts of Belgian and British donors, including ! the inhabitants of the British Pominlons and, Possessions overseas, who were among the most considerable contributors. There was a heavy rain storm during the speeches and ceremony. Heroes of the Mole. • • Before the arrival of the King and, Queen of Belgium, the survivors from H.M.S. Caledon, marched along the befiagged mole to the monument, and were frantically cheered, especially the invalids, many of whom Were limping and supported by sticks. 1 , King Albert, in khaki uniform,, with the crimson sash of the Order of the Bath, when unveiling the memorial, was saluted by the guns of H.M.S. Caledon, and. by the, shore batteries. British and Belgian bands played their respective National Anthems.

, At the conclusion of the speeches, British sailors and members of the British and Belgian Societies laid wreaths on the memorial.